Successful forum held for people with Learning Disabilities

Health and Social Care provider, Avens Supported Living Northants (ASLN), recently held its first Customer Forum in the packed main room at Kettering's Corn Market Hall.

The Company who provides Supported Living care in Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby were thrilled with its success and the number of people who use the service that attended.

The purpose of the meeting was to involve people in making decisions about the development of ASLN, working in partnership and using that information to improve the service and the care people receive in their home.

Agency Manager, Daniel Andrews who was also chair said: "I am pleased that so many people came and participated in our first forum. We have gained very useful information from a variety of perspectives that will drive continuous improvement to what we offer over the next twelve months."

Also present was the C.E.O, Director of Operations, Avens staff Training Manager and the company's housing partner, Ransley Estates, who each conducted informative sessions about their role within the organisation. Attendees had the opportunity to have questions answered, over a buffet lunch, at the end of these.

A segment where service improvement was discussed and questions taken from the floor became very lively. As a result of feedback from this session it has been agreed that Avens will begin to look for premises in Kettering in-order to re-locate its offices to the town, making them more accessible.

Lisa who was there with her fellow tenants said: "The Customer Forum was great. I'm really happy I went because now I understand more about my care and I'm pleased that we agreed it's a good idea for the office to move back to Kettering. I'm also looking forward to helping to organise more social gatherings and having a disco."

After the event, Company C.E.O, Christopher Andrews said: "The feedback received about their care was overwhelmingly positive. I am particularly pleased that so many feel their voices are being heard. It was gratifying to see so much audience participation and people actively engaging with the discussions and contributing their views towards the development of the care they receive."

After the success of the first forum ASLN now hopes to host these on a regular basis to engage and involve customers in developing the service they want.